A nurse is caring for a client who has a hemoglobin of 10.8 g/dL and a hematocrit of 30%. The nurse should expect the client is at risk for which of the following conditions?
Cellular hypoxia
Fluid retention
Prolonged bleeding
Impaired immunity
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Cellular hypoxia occurs when cells do not receive enough oxygen to meet their metabolic demands. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. A hemoglobin level of 10.8 g/dL is below the normal range for adults (14-18 g/dL), indicating that the client has anemia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can lead to cellular hypoxia.
Here is a detailed explanation of how anemia can lead to cellular hypoxia:
Decreased oxygen-carrying capacity: Anemia results in fewer red blood cells or reduced hemoglobin levels within those cells. As a consequence, the blood's ability to transport oxygen to the tissues is diminished.
Impaired oxygen delivery: Oxygen is transported to the tissues through the bloodstream, attached to hemoglobin within red blood cells. With fewer red blood cells or reduced hemoglobin, the delivery of oxygen to the tissues is compromised.
Decreased oxygen availability at the cellular level: As oxygen delivery is impaired, less oxygen is available to the cells for metabolic processes. This insufficient oxygen supply leads to cellular hypoxia.
Impaired cellular function: Cells require oxygen to produce energy through a process called aerobic respiration. Cellular hypoxia disrupts this process, leading to impaired cellular function.
Tissue and organ dysfunction: When a significant number of cells within a tissue or organ experience hypoxia, the function of that tissue or organ can be compromised. This can manifest in various symptoms and complications, depending on the affected organs.
Common signs and symptoms of cellular hypoxia:
Fatigue Weakness
Shortness of breath Pale skin
Dizziness Headache Chest pain
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) Cognitive impairment
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Patients have a legal right to access their medical records under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Denying access is a violation of patient rights and could lead to legal consequences.
Undermines patient autonomy and trust. Patients have a right to know what information is in their medical records and to participate in their own healthcare decisions. Denying access can erode trust in the healthcare system.
Potential for errors and misunderstandings. If patients cannot review their records, they may not be able to identify errors or misunderstandings that could impact their care.
Choice B rationale:
Correct. This response upholds patient rights while ensuring that the request for access is documented and handled appropriately.
Protects patient privacy and confidentiality. The written request process helps to ensure that only the patient or their authorized representative has access to the records.
Provides a mechanism for tracking and auditing access requests. This can help to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Patients have a right to access their records at any time, not just when they are being discharged.
Delays access to information. Patients may need to review their records to make informed decisions about their care, even if they are not being discharged.
Potential for records to be lost or misplaced. There is a risk that records could be lost or misplaced if they are not provided to the patient until discharge.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Patients do not need to provide a reason for wanting to access their medical records.
Intrusive and unnecessary. Patients may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about having to explain their reasons for wanting to access their records.
Potential for discrimination. Patients may be less likely to request access to their records if they feel that they will be judged or questioned about their reasons for doing so.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tenderness to touch is a common finding in wounds healing by secondary intention. It's often due to inflammation, which is a normal part of the healing process. The inflammation brings in cells and substances that promote healing. However, increased tenderness, especially when accompanied by other signs of infection, should be reported.
Choice B rationale:
A halo of erythema on the surrounding skin is a sign of infection. This is a serious complication that can delay healing and lead to further complications. The erythema indicates that the infection is spreading beyond the wound edges and needs prompt attention.
Choice C rationale:
Drainage of serosanguineous fluid is also common in wounds healing by secondary intention. This fluid is a mixture of serum (clear yellowish fluid) and blood. It's a sign that the wound is cleaning itself and new tissue is forming. While excessive drainage or a change in color or odor could signal a problem, drainage itself is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale:
Pink, shiny tissue with a granular appearance is a sign of healthy granulation tissue. This is a type of tissue that forms during the healing process. It's rich in blood vessels and collagen, which are essential for wound healing. The presence of granulation tissue indicates that the wound is healing well.
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